• Combine dates, boiling water and bicarbonate of soda in a large heatproof bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes to soak.

• Using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition until just combined. Stir in combined flours, cinnamon and date mixture. Spoon evenly among prepared holes. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of 1 pudding comes out clean. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool.

• Meanwhile, make Burnt caramel sauce Place caster sugar in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, for 6 to 8 minutes until sugar melts and caramelises to a dark brown. Remove from heat. Carefully pour in the cream (mixture will spatter at this stage). Add salt and butter. Return to low heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until toffee dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.